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Hokitika Guardian, 2 June 1928, Page 2

Tiie Government representative (Sir Francis Bel!) during the progress of the recent Jubilee celebrations at Christchurch, made the interesting announcement that he was handing over to the provinces of Canterbury and Westland, the Provincial Chambers in Christchurch. This building has now become historic, being an outstanding relie of the Provincial days at the time Canterbury and Westland were linked together politically. The building nlso lias structural beauty, and Tor some time past Christchurch has been seeking to secure the building because of its historical associations with the very early days. Canterbury has been mindful always of its pioneers, and- their association with the Provincial buildings has kept the interest in the matter unabated. The Government proposes that the gift will he controlled by a board consisting of the members of Parliament represented the pioneers confer] ned, The Board is to meet at least

once a year in 'Wellington for the despatell of IjiLsitiess, ami furtlior details ns to tile powers and rights of the, Board will no doubt he provided \ for in the legislation which is to Ik? passed on the subject at the coming session, when the gift will finally pass to the trustee Board. Westland’s share of the gift will not be large, but it is pleasing to sec that the claim of this side of the ranges is at least recognised. No doubt a niche in the interesting relic of other times will he reserved for this district, and it would ho worth while considering what best might he done with the space available. As a storing house for relics of the early days it would l>e of some value to posterity, and in that respect it would be well to seek to accumulate any interesting exhibits relating to the early days. 'l'llis is a matter which the local Museum Committee could take up, for already there is at least the nencleus for such a display in the local museum. Located in. Christchurch, the exhibition would be something of an advertisement for the district, and by frequent re-ar-rangement or exchange of exhibits the public interest in any display would be maintained. No doubt if a local effort wore made many interesting relics of the early days oil the Const could be assembled and prove of great interest publicly and historically. The early history of the district will soon he lost if some effort is not made to secure items of interest which in themselves tell port of the story. It is certainly a matter of regret that there is not on record some connected story of the history of the Coast giving a record of the rise in the district during the busv pioneering days when peopled with thousands bent on the discovery of the treasure of the El Dorado.